TITLE: Toolangi Elite Student Work Experience and Research Program 2014-2015
INSTITUTION: Toolangi Elite/ViCSPA, 1015 Myers Creek Road, Toolangi, VIC 3777
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Daniel Isenegger – Manager and Principal Scientist
RESEARCH FOCUS
Potato Minituber Production
RESEARCH BACKGROUND
Potato minitubers are first generation pathogen-tested seed stocks that are fundamental in certified seed potato
schemes, and are effective in reducing crop loss caused by seed-borne disease in commercial production.
Toolangi Elite operates one of the largest potato minituber production facilities in Australia (located in Toolangi,
c. 40km north-east of Melbourne in the Yarra Valley). Minitubers are derived from nuclear tissue culture potato
variety stocks that are maintained and multiplied in a laboratory. Potato tissue culture plantlets are acclimatised
and grown in high biosecurity greenhouses to produce minitubers, and then stored under conditions suitable to
manage the physiological age for optimal plant vigour.
RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL
The main objectives for this project will be for the student to gain experience in a plant tissue culture laboratory,
plus greenhouse and post-harvest operations. The exact nature of the work will depend on what the supervisor
will be doing at the time, but will focus on one or more of the following:
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Factors affecting micropropagation of potato.
Cryopreservation of potato.
Optimising potato minituber production and quality.
Botrytis disease studies in potato.
Genetic structure of Botrytis in greenhouse minituber production.
Target spot disease in potato.
A DNA library for potato varieties.
In vitro regeneration of potato.
Micropropagation of raspberry.
Micropropagation of cherry.
Micropropagation of blueberry.
Most likely the work will involve (i) Optimising potato minituber production and quality and (ii) Assessing
factors affecting micropropagation of potato. Students can also explore opportunities in seed potato certification
field work or agronomy, if they wish.
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: One or two
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PLACEMENT
The ideal student will be studying in the area of plant biology and have an interest in food science. This placement
will be undertaken at the ViCSPA facility in Toolangi, on either a part-time or a full-time basis (total
placement time of 80 hours). Placement start time is negotiable, but will be after the semester two exams (postNovember 2014). An allowance of $40 per 8-hour day (payable by Toolangi Elite) will be available to cover
food and travel costs. Applications will be accepted up to November 30th, 2014 and successful completion of the
placement confers eligibility for the Monash INV1000 Passport unit.
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Science Industry Placement Program Application Form
For more information visit http://monash.edu/science/current/undergraduate/getting-the-most/sipp/sipp-main.html
All applications to be lodged in electronic form only, emailed to sci-sipp@monash.edu
Personal details - Please type or write legibly
Student ID number
Surname
Given Names
Date of Birth
/
/
Postal Address for
correspondence
Student email address
@student.monash.edu
Home Phone number
Mobile number
Course details
Course Name
Course Code
Major
Course Start
Date
Expected
completion date
Minor
Current Year of Study
Project details
Industry partner name
Toolangi Elite/ViCSPA
Project title
Toolangi Elite Student Work Experience and Research Program 2014-2015
Dates available
Working hours available
e.g. 6 January – 6 March 2014
e.g. 9 am – 5 pm daily
Meeting placement requirements
What units have you completed that will make you a suitable candidate for the project?
What attributes do you have that will make you a suitable candidate for the project?
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Supporting documentation (please attach following documents with your application and tick box below)
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Curriculum Vitae of no more than 3 pages.
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Statement of results (download from WES--official versions are not necessary).
Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria
To be selected for the Science Industry Placement Program, you need to meet the following criteria:
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Be currently enrolled in a Faculty of Science course, must have completed at least 48 credit points and have no
more than 48 credit points remaining in the course; and
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Demonstrate a preparedness and capacity to complete a minimum of 30 hours or a maximum of 80 hours placement
at an industry partner organisation without compromising their other science studies; and
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Demonstrate work readiness (i.e. we are looking for evidence of personal qualities which equip you to function
appropriately and autonomously in a professional work environment).
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria are the ‘best fit’ match between your enrolled course, units you have completed, interest and
experience with the particular project requirements. The industry partner has the final decision. Applicants who are closer
to completing their course will be given priority if they meet the 'best fit' match. Please visit the projects section to view the
projects available. The webpage will be updated as project proposals are submitted by the industry partners.
Privacy
The information on this form is collected for the primary purpose of applying for the Science Industry Placement Program
which includes deciding whether the application will be granted and sending related correspondence. If the form is
incomplete, it may not be possible for the Faculty to process the application. The information provided by the applicant in this
form, curriculum vitae and academic may be provided to the industry partner of the project in the event that the student is
provisionally matched with that industry partner in order for the industry partner to assess the application.
All information for the application of the Science Industry Placement Program is managed in accordance to the
University’s Privacy Policy. If you wish to access or inquire about the handling of your personal information contact the
University Privacy Officer: Privacyofficer@adm.monash.edu.au
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Applicant’s Declaration
I am enrolled in a course belonging to the Faculty of Science and have completed at least
48 credit points and will have no more than 48 credit points remaining to complete
YES / NO
I can commit to completion of a minimum of 30 hours or a maximum of 80 hours as
required by the industry partner without compromising my studies
YES / NO
I have addressed the selection criteria including my suitability and match to the agency/ies
and the project/s offered by those agencies in my cover letter
YES / NO
I understand that no salary will be paid for the industry placement and Monash University
holds no responsibility for any allowance agreement between the industry partner and the
student.
YES / NO
On signing the Science Industry Placement Program application form I agree:
1)
That I meet all of the eligibility criteria for the Science Industry Placement Program.
2)
To represent Monash University in a manner that does not compromise the integrity, reputation or
relationship of the University and Faculty with the participating industry partners in any way.
3)
That information provided by me in this form, my curriculum vitae and academic transcript may be
provided to the industry partner in the event that I am provisionally matched with that industry
partner in order for the industry partner to assess my application.
Student Declaration
I declare that the information provided on this form and the information given to support my
application is correct and complete.
I acknowledge that Monash University, Faculty of Science reserves the right to vary or reverse
any decision on the basis of incorrect or incomplete information.
Student signature
Date
Received by (print)
Date
All applications to be lodged in electronic form only, emailed to sci-sipp@monash.edu
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